Community Service Focus of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

Members of the College's basketball teams will again conduct a hoop clinic at Penn Yan Academy.

Social responsibility has long been part of the Keuka College fabric, particularly as it pertains to the local community.

For example, Keuka students, staff, and faculty participate in Make a Difference Day, the Angel Tree Project, and Celebrate Service…Celebrate Yates. Members of the College community also volunteer their time and talents at Milly’s Pantry, the Humane Society of Yates County, and Clinton Crest Manor, among others.

Five years ago, Keuka began a new tradition of service to the local community—one that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As part of this year’s MLK Day of Service, members of Keuka College’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will conduct a free hoop clinic for children 5-12 years old at the Penn Yan Academy gym from noon-2:30 p.m.

In addition, volunteers will help paint the set for the Penn Yan Middle School’s upcoming play, The Music Man, from 9 a.m.-noon, or noon-2 p.m.

Lunch will be provided for basketball clinic participants as well as those painting the sets.

Chevanne DeVaney

Chevanne DeVaney, Keuka College’s director of multicultural affairs and director of the Women’s Center, will participate in the Community Conversation series held at Milly’s Pantry and Pinwheel Market at 2 p.m. DeVaney will join community members Dr. Henry Thomas, Freeman T. Freeman, Edith Mann, and Jim Wilson to discuss “Race, Justice, and Access to Your Own Healthcare.”

The panelists will talk about how physical, emotional, and spiritual health are important, and how different groups may experience different issues around access and treatment in various health settings. The presentation is free and open to the public.

The Community Conversation series provides continuing discussion on how people in the community access support, and what barriers they may face for their healthcare needs.

The fifth annual event at Keuka comes three months before Celebrate Service… Celebrate Yates, a day of community service organized by Keuka students and the Yates County Chamber of Commerce. It has helped dozens of non-profit organizations and agencies enhance the quality of life in the region for the past 16 years.

Dr. King and Keuka College have a connection dating back 50 years. He delivered the baccalaureate address and received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree June 16, 1963. He was accompanied to Keuka Park by his wife, Coretta Scott King.

To volunteer for the MLK Day of Service, or for more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at mcaffairs@keuka.edu or (315) 279-5225.